Disability Voices

Ability Montana
  • 5.0 (10)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Amplifying the disability experience through the voices of individuals, organizations, and advocates in Montana and beyond.

  1. GET CONNECTED | 15 | Big Sky 55+

    OCT 30

    GET CONNECTED | 15 | Big Sky 55+

    On this episode of Get Connected, Cassie and Kendra sit down with Faith from Big Sky 55+. Big Sky 55+ is an organization of Montanans 55 and over bringing people together to work for solutions that make life better for Montanans of all ages. Their vision includes policy reforms that generate government actions to effectively bolster markets and provide adequate public services in the 21st century.On this episode, we discuss some of the outcomes of the 2025 Legislative Session and review Big Sky 55+'s scorecard. For more information about their program, visit the Big Sky 55+ Website. To contact Faith, email her at fscow@bigsky55.org If you want to review Ability Montana's Scorecard and see how your local legislator voted on key disability issues, it can be found here: Ability Montana's Scorecard (PDF). For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more support. Episode transcript: ⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠⁠⁠ For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠disabilityvoices@abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠

    42 min
  2. GET CONNECTED | 14 | Butte Aging at Home Program

    AUG 26

    GET CONNECTED | 14 | Butte Aging at Home Program

    On this episode of Get Connected, Kendra sits down with Nancy from the Butte Aging at Home Program, part of Butte-Silver Bow's Community Development Division. The Butte Aging at Home Program offers free home safety modifications and small repairs for eligible older homeowners in Butte-Silver Bow County. Listen to the full episode for details and eligibility criteria for this program. You can apply for the Butte Aging at Home Program here: Butte Aging at Home Application (Google Form). For more information about the program, visit their website: Butte Aging at Home Website. You can also contact Nancy directly by calling 406-497-6264. For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more support. Episode transcript: ⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠⁠ For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: ⁠⁠⁠disabilityvoices@abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠

    19 min
  3. GET CONNECTED | 13 | MonTECH

    JUN 6

    GET CONNECTED | 13 | MonTECH

    On this episode of Get Connected, Cassie and Kendra sit down with Molly from the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities to talk about their program, MonTECH. MonTECH provides technology, support, and services that improve the quality of life for Montanans with disabilities. Folks can try out different assistive technology devices for free! Listen to the episode to hear about what kinds of devices they have in their library and how to access them. For more information and to check out their catalog of devices, go to The MonTECH Website ⁠. For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠ for more support. Episode transcript: ⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠ For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: ⁠disabilityvoices@abilitymt.org⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@disabilityvoices

    23 min
  4. GET INVOLVED | 10 | Session Wrap Up

    MAY 9

    GET INVOLVED | 10 | Session Wrap Up

    Thank you so much for joining us during the 2025 Montana Legislative Session. Listen to this episode for our thoughts on the session as a whole and the status of some of the bills we have been tracking along the way. Keep an eye out for periodical updates on here about federal legislation, interim committees, and administrative hearings. If you want to stay involved, reached out to Ability Montana about joining a Disability Action Network near you. Call us at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠. Contact the podcast: Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disabilityvoices@abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

    37 min
  5. GET CONNECTED | 12 | Let's Talk Disability Productions

    MAR 28

    GET CONNECTED | 12 | Let's Talk Disability Productions

    On this episode of Get Connected, Andrew, Kendra and Mikayla sit down to talk about the upcoming Let's Talk Disability Productions from Ability Montana. Let’s Talk Disability is monologue production amplifying the voices of people with disabilities, fostering dialogue, understanding, and awareness. Every year, a new cohort of individuals from each community share their personal stories about the lived experience of having a disability. These stories range from emotional to humorous, profound to lighthearted, all with the shared goal of showing that life doesn’t stop—it simply moves forward in new and meaningful ways. For more context about the show and it's origin, go listen to the podcast on our feed titled LET'S TALK DISABILITY | 01 | Barb and Natalie. Join us at this year's events: Butte Art Show: FREE Opening on April 4th from 5-8pm at the IBRC (68 W Park St, Butte, MT). Featuring artists with disabilities, including past and current participants of the show.Butte Production: April 17th and 18th at 6pm at Montana Tech Auditorium in the Library Building (1300 W Park St, Butte, MT)Helena Production: May 15th and 16th at 7pm at FLEX Theatre at Carroll College (1601 N Benton Ave, Helena, MT)For more information and to purchase tickets, visit abilitymt.org. For other questions about living independently, or if you are unsure of how to get connected, contact Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or ⁠⁠⁠abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠ for more support. Episode transcript: ⁠Transcript (Google Doc)⁠ For questions, suggestions, or if you want to be on the show, contact Disability Voices at: Email: ⁠⁠disabilityvoices@abilitymt.org⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠

    20 min
  6. GET INVOLVED | 09 | Week 11 Updates

    MAR 22

    GET INVOLVED | 09 | Week 11 Updates

    Resources mentioned in this episode: Finding a Center for Independent Living near you: Call us toll-free at Ability Montana at 1-800-735-6457 or visit mtcil.org. Caffeinate and Advocate: Weekly group at Ability Montana to discuss updates, practice testimony, or learn more about the legislative process. Fridays from 9:00-11:30 am. In person at the Butte Office (820 W Platinum, Butte MT) or online via Zoom (call 406-782-4834 to be sent the link). Bills we mentioned in this episode: HB 38: Revise laws related to disability parking HB 245: Revise the Montana HELP Act workforce development provisions and termination date SB 72: Provide presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage of home and community-based services SB 82: Establish adjustment to blindness program HB 341: Revise laws relating to brain injuries HB 576: Revise funding for medicaid and health and support services to children and to adults who are aged, blind, and disabled SB 300: Providing protections for service dogs and handlers HB 607: Provide for the hearing aid coverage act HB 601: Create online portal for community assisters related to Medicaid HB 574: Authorizing implementation of the certified community behavioral health clinic model HB 488: Allowing a disabled voter to electronically return a ballot Follow these bills at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bills.legmt.gov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Upcoming times to get involved: Monday, March 24th, 2025: Public Hearing for SB 300 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152 Tuesday, March 25th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 607 in (S) Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee at 8:30am in Room 422 Wednesday, March 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 601 in (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee at 3:00pm in Room 317 Wednesday, March 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 574 in (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee at 3:00pm in Room 317 Friday, March 28th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 488 in (S) State Administration at 3:00pm in Room 355 How to get involved in the legislative process: Send a message to a committee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Call the switchboard: 406-444-4800 Find and contact your legislator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up to give testimony via Zoom: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our email list at Ability Montana: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Form (Google Doc)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contact the podcast: Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disabilityvoices@abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

    28 min
  7. GET INVOLVED | 08 | Week 9 & 10 Updates

    MAR 14

    GET INVOLVED | 08 | Week 9 & 10 Updates

    Resources mentioned in this episode: Caffeinate and Advocate: Weekly group at Ability Montana to discuss updates, practice testimony, or learn more about the legislative process. Fridays from 9:00-11:30 am. In person at the Butte Office (820 W Platinum, Butte MT) or online via Zoom (call 406-782-4834 to be sent the link). Bills we mentioned in this episode: HB 184: Modify language in the MCA that may diminish the dignity of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing HB 341: Revise laws relating to brain injuries SB 72: Provide presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage of home and community-based services HB 307: Generally revise laws related to licensing donations for disabled veterans HB 601: Create online portal for community assisters related to Medicaid HB 488: Allowing a disabled voter to electronically return a ballot HB 618: Provide for a Montana individual freedom act HB 635: Revise human rights laws to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs HB 245: Revise the Montana HELP Act workforce development provisions and termination date Follow these bills at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bills.legmt.gov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Upcoming times to get involved: Monday, March 17th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 184 in (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee at 3:00pm in Room 317 Monday, March 17th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 341 in (S) Highways and Transportation Committee at 3:00pm in Room 422 Tuesday, March 18th, 2025: Public Hearing for SB 72 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152 Wednesday, March 19th, 2025: Disability Rally Day at the Montana State Capitol at 11:00am in the Rotunda Thursday, March 20th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 307 in (S) Fish and Game Committee at 3:00pm in Room 422 Wednesday, March 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 601 in (S) Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee at 3:00pm in Room 317 Friday, March 28th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 488 in (S) State Administration at 3:00pm in Room 355 How to get involved in the legislative process: Send a message to a committee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Call the switchboard: 406-444-4800 Find and contact your legislator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up to give testimony via Zoom: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our email list at Ability Montana: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Form (Google Doc)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contact the podcast: Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠disabilityvoices@abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

    27 min
  8. GET INVOLVED | 07 | Week 8 Updates

    FEB 26

    GET INVOLVED | 07 | Week 8 Updates

    Resources mentioned in this episode: Disability Right's History Documentary: Crip Camp is available to watch for free on Youtube. Crimp Camp (Youtube) Caffeinate and Advocate: Weekly group at Ability Montana to discuss updates, practice testimony, or learn more about the legislative process. Fridays from 9:00-11:30 am. In person at the Butte Office (820 W Platinum, Butte MT) or online via Zoom (call 406-782-4834 to be sent the link). Bills we mentioned in this episode: HB 386: Revising laws related to continuous Medicaid eligibility HB 395: Generally revise voting laws related to individuals of unsound mind SB 194: Eliminate the board of public assistance SB 72: Provide presumptive eligibility for Medicaid coverage of home and community-based services SB 82: Establish adjustment to blindness program SB 300: Providing protections for service dogs and handlers HB 341: Revise laws relating to brain injuries HB 245: Revise the Montana HELP Act workforce development provisions and termination date HB 574: Authorizing implementation of the certified community behavioral health clinic model HB 576: Revise funding for Medicaid and health and support services to children and to adults who are aged, blind, and disabled HB 601: Create online portal for community assisters related to Medicaid HB 607: Provide for the hearing aid coverage act HB 618: Provide for a Montana individual freedom act HB 635: Revise human rights laws to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs HB 638: Revise human rights laws Follow these bills at ⁠⁠⁠⁠bills.legmt.gov⁠⁠⁠⁠ Upcoming times to get involved: Feb. 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 574 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152 Feb. 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 576 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152 Feb. 26th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 601 in (H) Human Services Committee at 3:00pm in Room 152 Feb. 27th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 635 in (H) Judiciary Committee at 7:00am in Room 137 Feb. 27th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 638 in (H) Judiciary Committee at 7:00am in Room 137 Feb. 28th, 2025: Public Hearing for HB 607 in (H) Business and Labor Committee at 7:00am in Room 172 March 19th, 2025: Disability Rally Day at the Montana State Capitol at 11:00am in the Rotunda How to get involved in the legislative process: Send a message to a committee:⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Call the switchboard: 406-444-4800 Find and contact your legislator:⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up to give testimony via Zoom:⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our email list at Ability Montana:⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Form (Google Doc)⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contact the podcast: Email:⁠⁠⁠⁠disabilityvoices@abilitymt.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠@disabilityvoices⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode Transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript (Google Doc)

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Amplifying the disability experience through the voices of individuals, organizations, and advocates in Montana and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Ability Montana
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ability Montana
  • Show Website
    Disability Voices